Where things stand
Updated 9 October 2026. There is no single official UAE page for Nigerian applicants, and what agents report has not always matched what UAE officials say. Treat this as a guide and confirm before you pay.
- October 2022The UAE stopped issuing visas to Nigerian passport holders during a diplomatic dispute.
- 15 July 2024The Federal Government announced the visa ban was lifted. Applicants were told to get a Document Verification Number (DVN) first, and Nigerian media reported a non-refundable ₦640,000 application fee. Dubai's immigration authority (GDRFA) told TheCable it was not aware of a $10,000 bank-balance requirement, and listed a photo, a passport valid for 6 months, a ticket and UAE medical insurance.
- July 2025Travel agents were notified of tighter conditions for Nigerians: no 96-hour transit visas; applicants aged 18 to 45 travelling alone not eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied; applicants 45 and over asked for 6 months of personal bank statements with at least $10,000 at each month end. These were reported from agent notices, not an official UAE publication.
- May 2026The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria said Nigerians are no longer facing visa rejections and that more than 15,000 Nigerians visited the UAE in the past year. He also said Etihad Airways plans to start flights to Abuja later in 2026.
How to apply safely
- Check the current rules for youRequirements for Nigerians have depended on age, whether you travel alone, and your travel history. Ask for the current conditions for your exact situation before you pay anything.
- Apply through an official channelUse the UAE's official immigration portals (GDRFA Dubai or ICP), the visa service of the airline you're flying with if it offers one, or a licensed travel agency with a real office you can visit.
- Prepare your documentsUsually: passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent white-background photo, a confirmed return ticket, a hotel booking, and travel medical insurance valid in the UAE. Some applicants are also asked for bank statements.
- Get every fee in writingAsk for a written breakdown of the visa fee, any verification (DVN) fee and the agent's service charge, and which parts are refundable if the visa is refused.
- Book flights you can changeUntil your visa is approved, avoid non-refundable tickets. Watch the price, then book once you have the visa.
- Carry printed copiesKeep your visa, return ticket, hotel booking and insurance on your phone and on paper for the airport.
Flights to Dubai
Compare return fares from Lagos, Abuja and Kano, and get an alert when your route drops. Right now, return fares from Lagos to Dubai start from $761.
Questions
Can Nigerians get a Dubai visa in 2026?
Yes. In May 2026 the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria said Nigerians are no longer facing visa rejections. Conditions can still apply, so check the current requirements for your age and situation before you pay.
Is there an age limit for Nigerians applying for a UAE tourist visa?
In July 2025 travel agents reported that applicants aged 18 to 45 travelling alone were not eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. This was not published officially, and the situation has since eased, so ask your airline or agent what applies today.
How much does a Dubai visa cost for Nigerians?
It varies by visa length and who you apply through. In 2024 Dubai's GDRFA quoted about 200 to 300 dirhams for a tourist visa, while agents charged far more once verification and service fees were added. Always get a written quote.
Can I transit through Dubai with a Nigerian passport?
Transit visa applications for Nigerians were suspended in July 2025. If you're only changing planes in Dubai without leaving the airport, confirm with your airline before you book whether you need anything.
Which airports in Nigeria have flights to Dubai?
Lagos, Abuja and Kano all have connections to Dubai. Compare return fares from each on this page.
Sources
FlyCheap NG isn't connected to the UAE government or any visa agency. Visa rules change, so always confirm the latest requirements with official UAE channels or your airline before you pay or book.